20 Gorgeous Formal Half Updos You’ll Fall In Love With

When you have a formal occasion, half up hairstyles are a great option. Pinning some hair up allows you to keep some length around your face, but still have the structure of having an “updo”, therefore keeping the body and shape in place. If you are considering a half up style, here are 20 formal half up hairstyle ideas to inspire you.

Begin with dry hair. Separate the hair into five sections starting from one ear going to the other, each section about one to two inches wide.

Braid the two sections above each ear and secure the ends of the braids with a clear hair tie.

Back comb the top/middle section of hair.

Gather the top half of your hair and create three knots. The easiest way to do this is to separate the top half of your hair into thirds and then knot them.

Secure the end of the half pony with a hair tie.

If you hair is naturally curly, then lucky you! You don’t need to do much to it. If not, use a small curling iron to curl what’s left out of the half pony.

Recommended Products:

After this look has been created, add some shine serum or spray to the ends of your hair for a little extra sheen! I love Bumble and Bumble’s Shine Spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

A round face shape will be complemented by this look. Thick hair that has natural wave is ideal for this style, although naturally straight to wavy hair will work too.

Tip:

If you have finer hair and are having trouble making the tiny braids stay, spray the sections of hair with hairspray before you braid them. It will give you hair a little bit of grit and make it less slippery.

Create a waterfall or French braid with the hair that starts on one side of your head and goes down to your ear. Gather the end of the braid to meet the other side of your half pony in the back/middle of your head. Secure with bobby pins.

Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Recommended Products:

I love the Davines Medium Hold Hairspray as both a working and a finishing spray. Use it before and after you curl!

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

If you have a square face shape, this look will complement you. Fine to medium hair of any length will work for this look! It’s very versatile.

Spray everything with a working spray, then curl each section using a 1¼-inch curling iron.

Gather one side of your hair and twist it back to meet the other side of your half pony in the back/middle of your head. Secure with a bobby pin.

Spray everything with a light hold hairspray.

Recommended Products:

Be sure to spray your hair with a heat protectant before you use any hot tools on it. Kevin Murphy makes a great one called Damage Manager. It smells wonderful and is super light so it won’t get sticky!

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is incredibly versatile and really any length or texture of hair will work! A square face shape will be flattered by this look.

Cascading curls will look great on oval, square or heart shaped faces. Avoid this style if you have a round face, as it only adds more width to the sides. This style will also work great for you if you have medium to thick hair and lots of layering.

Once the braid is complete, use your fingers to loosen it even more. Secure with a clear elastic.

Recommended Products:

It’s important to give this style texture, that’s what will set it apart. Before you blow dry and curl, apply a styling mousse such as Pureology Colour Stylist Mousse Bodifier.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This fancy braid will look good on any face shape. It is soft enough to be flattering on anyone, but if you want it to be even softer, leave some hair out around your face. This will work best on medium thickness hair that is at least to the collar bones.

Take the hair on the left side, drape it loosely back and pin it at your nape.

Take the hair on your right, drape it loosely back and pin it over top of the last section.

Secure with bobby pins.

Recommended Products:

A flexible hold hairspray will help with this hairstyle. It will give you movement but also control. Try Matrix Vavoom Shape Maker Hairspray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

A half up style pinned up low in the back will look good on any face shape, especially heart or square since it will soften up the cheek bones. Long hair with little to no layering will work best.

As you can see, there are so many options when it comes to half up styles. If one of these looks isn’t exactly what you have in mind, consider trying something creative on your own. Either way, half up is always a safe route to go with your hair for your formal occasion.